After more than 16 years as an employed family lawyer, in February 2016 I made a choice taking me in a ‘Different Direction’ and a ‘New Beginning’.  This different direction and new beginning saw the creation of Parry Coates Family Law.  Why?

• Family law is what I do, what I’ve always done. I believe I’m good at it
• Allows me to manage my law practice where the most important person is the client
• Allows me to service clients in a cost effective manner
• Enables us to work as a team during the family law process
• Offers flexibility – it is important for our children to have their family available for them when they need us most
• Commitment – teaching our children the importance of commitment and hard work

If I am being honest, which is an important value in my day to day practice, and life, I really didn’t like school, nor did I pay attention. However, there was one poet and one poem which has stayed with me in the 20-something years since high school.

The Road Not Taken

This poem has more meaning to me and Parry Coates Family Law than it ever has before:

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost

For many clients, the breakdown of a relationship is a ‘road not taken’. The path to a lawyer may also be foreign. Whilst we cannot take away the emotional hurt as a result of separation, we can be your driving instructor, being there to educate you about your family law matter.

Family Law Advice

I am a mother, step-mother, daughter, sister and partner. I’ve been married (and divorced) and remain good friends with my ex-husband, who is the father of my daughter. I understand the challenges of a blended family and what ‘true co-parenting’ looks like.

As a family lawyer, it is my responsibility and duty to ensure that all clients receive honest and practical advice. There is one common theme with the feedback I receive from clients – the advice given is direct and compassionate.

In 2015, I became a Nationally Accredited Mediator. I remain interested and committed to an alternative method of resolving disputes. A mediated solution provides certainty for each party and allows them an element of control over their agreement. As a mediator, the facilitative method of mediation is implemented. Parties explore their concerns and issues, discuss solutions, leading to a resolution.

Memberships

• Family Law Practitioners Associated (QLD)
• Queensland Law Society
• Business Networking International (BNI)

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws
• Accredited Mediator
• Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
• Collaborative Lawyer

Recognitions

• 2024 Doyles Guide Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer
• 2023 Doyles Guide Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer
• 2023 Doyles Guide Recommended Family and Divorce Lawyer
• 2022 Doyles Guide Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer
• 2022 Doyles Guide Recommended Family and Divorce Lawyer
• 2021 Doyles Guide Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer
• 2021 Doyles Guide Recommended Family Lawyer
• 2020 Doyles Guide Recommended Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer
• 2020 Doyles Guide Recommended Family Lawyer
• 2019 Doyles Guide Recommended Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer
• 2019 Doyles Guide Recommended Family Lawyer
• 2018 QLS Finalist – Equity and Diversity in a Small Legal Practice
• 2018 Doyles Guide Recommended Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer

Visit the Doyles Guide website.